Seattle Rideshare Crash Lawyer

Car Accident While Ridesharing

In less than a decade, the Smartphone has had an incredible impact on our world and how we interact with those around us. Information and communication is now literally at our fingertips. It's amazing to think that each of us holds a powerful computer in the palm of our hands.

In the past several years, the Smartphone has also changed the way we move throughout our cities. You've probably noticed cars in your community with the black Uber sticker or wearing Lyft's pink mustache. Lyft and Uber are rideshare companies operating in most major cities across the globe. Rideshare companies pair passengers in need of a lift with willing drivers through a Smartphone application (app). All fees and monetary transactions are handled through the app with a credit card. Ridesharing is becoming a popular and profitable alternative to traditional modes of urban transport like taxis, chauffeured vehicles, buses, subways and personal vehicles.

If you've been hurt in a rideshare accident you probably have lots of questions. Our Seattle auto accident attorneys have answers. Call (888) 228-3860.

What If There's A Ridesharing Accident?

Any time you're in an accident, if it's in a taxi, a rideshare vehicle, or in your personal vehicle, it is a good idea to contact the top Seattle car accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. Contact us at (888) 228-3860 for a free consultation.

The liability laws regarding ridesharing are different in each state. Both Lyft and Uber carry $1 million liability policies that cover their drivers while carrying passengers, but there are certain gray areas in the coverage that you need to be concerned about.

A rideshare company's insurance policy only covers a driver from the time they accept a ride by tapping on the app, to the moment they drop off their passenger and end the ride (again, by tapping on the app). In most states, the driver is not covered by the rideshare company's insurance while driving around with app activated and waiting for a ride request. The tricky part of this equation is that if the driver is involved in an accident while driving with the app activated, both their personal auto insurance company and the rideshare company can deny liability.

As of July 2015, California law mandated that the rideshare company's policy must cover drivers during this gray period while they are driving with the app activated. The state of Washington hasn't passed this kind of legislation. What further complicates rideshare liability questions is that it's a relatively new phenomenon and many insurance issues haven't been tested in court.

Is It Safe to Use a Rideshare in Washington?

That's a good question. While drivers do need a valid driver's license and pass a background check, there is little other regulation in ridesharing. While both Lyft and Uber do an initial vehicle inspection for cleanliness and safety, only Lyft does a brief ride along with a company representative to see if the driver is a competent driver. Other than this, there is no face to face contact between the driver and the company.

If you're involved in an accident, either while driving for a rideshare company or as a passenger in a rideshare car, it's important to protect yourself. Immediately call the experienced WA rideshare crash lawyers at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. We will fight for you.

What About Carpooling?

Carpooling has been around, almost since the invention of the automobile. Providing no one's being paid to do the driving, most insurance companies will accept liability for the driver and passengers. If you have any questions about auto accidents and liability, call (888) 228-3860 and speak to one of the attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S.

Seattle Rideshare Crash Attorney Disclaimer: The legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact an attorney for a consultation on your particular legal matter. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the State of Washington.